If you’re on the lookout for a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite, this Blueberry Pancake Bites Recipe is exactly what you need. These little pockets of fluffy, golden pancake packed with juicy blueberries are perfect for busy mornings, brunch gatherings, or even an easy-to-grab snack. Each bite bursts with sweet blueberry goodness, balanced by the tender, slightly buttery pancake that’s just the right size for popping in your mouth. I’m excited to share this recipe because it turns the humble pancake into a fun, bite-sized treat that’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you—each one plays a key role in making these pancake bites irresistibly tasty. From the fluffiness that the baking powder provides to the juicy punch of fresh blueberries, every component enhances the final result.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The essential base that gives the pancake bites their soft yet sturdy structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This little powerhouse is what makes the pancake bites rise to fluffy perfection.
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tart blueberries.
- 1 large egg, beaten: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds richness to the batter.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a gentle sweetness and warm aroma that complements the blueberries beautifully.
- ½ cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and contributes to the light texture of each bite.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds moisture and a rich, buttery flavor that makes these bites so comforting.
- 40 blueberries (fresh or frozen): The star ingredient that provides bursts of sweet-tart flavor and gorgeous pops of color.
How to Make Blueberry Pancake Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when the batter is ready. Lightly grease a donut hole pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure your bites come out smoothly without sticking, which makes clean-up a breeze too.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and granulated sugar. This mix will give your pancake bites structure while providing the perfect lift and just enough sweetness to complement the fresh blueberries.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the beaten egg along with the vanilla extract, milk, and melted butter until everything is silky smooth. This liquid mixture adds richness and keeps the pancake bites tender and moist.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here—you want the batter to stay light and fluffy, which means a few lumps are totally okay. Overworking it can make your bites dense and tough, and we definitely don’t want that!
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Spoon the batter into each donut hole cavity, filling about two-thirds full. Then press two juicy blueberries into each cavity—this is where the magic happens, creating those delightful pockets of berry flavor. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 12 minutes, allowing the bites to rise and set nicely.
Step 6: Flip and Finish Baking
Once the initial baking time is up, carefully flip each blueberry pancake bite. This helps them brown evenly and get that perfect golden crust all around. Bake for an additional 3 minutes and then voilà—you’ve got a batch of irresistible Blueberry Pancake Bites ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Blueberry Pancake Bites Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your pancake bites, try a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty snowy effect or drizzle with warm maple syrup for classic sweetness. Fresh mint leaves or a dollop of whipped cream can add a fresh, creamy contrast that pairs wonderfully with the blueberries.
Side Dishes
Serve these bites alongside crispy bacon or sausage links to balance sweet and savory flavors, or pair them with a fresh fruit salad for a light, refreshing touch. A small bowl of yogurt with a sprinkle of granola also makes an excellent companion.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun brunch idea, skewer the pancake bites with toothpicks and arrange them on a platter with fruit slices and nuts. You can also use them as a topping for yogurt parfaits or even sandwich some cream cheese between two pancake bites for a little dessert surprise!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might be tough!), store your blueberry pancake bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their softness and flavor.
Freezing
These bites freeze beautifully! Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can grab a few whenever a pancake craving strikes and store them for up to two months.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, reheat the bites in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp on the outside. Microwaving works too but might make them a bit softer rather than crisp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries in this Blueberry Pancake Bites Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just be sure not to thaw them too much before adding to the batter to prevent excess moisture, which can affect the texture.
What if I don’t have a donut hole pan?
You can use mini muffin tins or silicone baking molds as an alternative. Just adjust the baking time slightly—mini muffins may take a bit less time to bake.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free option?
Yes! A gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works well here. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the pancake bites from falling apart.
How do I prevent the blueberries from sinking to the bottom?
Pressing the blueberries gently into the batter once it’s in the pan, as described in the recipe, keeps them evenly distributed and prevents sinking during baking.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based milk and vegan butter. The texture might vary slightly but the taste will still be delightful!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about turning something as simple as pancakes into a delightful Blueberry Pancake Bites Recipe that feels like a little celebration in every mouthful. Whether you’re cooking for kids, guests, or just treating yourself, these bites bring joy, flavor, and ease all on one plate. I can’t wait for you to try them and see just how fast they disappear at your table!
Print
Blueberry Pancake Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 pancake bites
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Blueberry Pancake Bites are a delightful twist on traditional pancakes, offering bite-sized, fluffy treats bursting with fresh blueberries. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, they are baked in a donut hole pan to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior while remaining soft and tender inside. Easily customizable with your favorite toppings like maple syrup or powdered sugar, these pancake bites are simple to prepare and serve.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Add-ins
- 40 blueberries (fresh or frozen)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a donut hole pan thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and granulated sugar to evenly distribute the leavening and sweetness.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the beaten egg, vanilla extract, milk, and melted unsalted butter until smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Make Batter: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, to keep the pancake bites tender.
- Fill and Bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut hole cavities, filling each about two-thirds full. Carefully press two blueberries into each cavity, then place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12 minutes.
- Flip and Bake: After 12 minutes, carefully flip each pancake bite in the pan to ensure even browning, then return to the oven and bake an additional 3 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the pancake bites warm. Enhance them with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, fruit preserves, glaze, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen blueberries; if using frozen, do not thaw to prevent bleeding into the batter.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the pancake bites fluffy and tender.
- The flipping step is essential for even browning on all sides.
- You can substitute milk with any dairy-free alternative to suit dietary preferences.
- Ensure the donut hole pan is well greased to avoid sticking and for easy removal.
